Wipe your cabinets with a dishcloth as it can contain remnants of grease and other contaminants.

Drape damp or wet towels over a door or drawer front, as constant moisture will cause permanent water damage over time.

Controlling Humidity and Moisture

Wood’s natural response to changes in humidity is much more dramatic that the average person realizes. The degree of changes can range up to three-quarters of an inch from summer to winter months. A cabinet door panel is likely to shrink in low humidity and expand in excess humidity.

Excessive variations in humidity will cause noticeable changes to your cabinetry, including but not limited to:

White lining of panels

Excessive gaps or overlapping of doors

Warping

Open joints

Paint cracking or lifting

While your cabinetry is being created, we strive to keep the air in the factory between 40 to 45% relative humidity during the complete manufacturing process. However, The Kitchen Centre’s warranty does not apply if our cabinetry is exposed to extremes in temperature or humidity in your home.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that requires sealing to be done every 12 months.

Since no two granite slabs are the same, choosing this natural stone means that your kitchen or bathroom will have a unique look. Granite consists of different types of crystals in a variety of colours and shades, giving you plenty of options. From a swirly marble look to shimmering specks, the diverse patterns available are sure to complement any design style. To top it all off, your selected finish can make a big difference. Polished granite gives a mirror-like effect, while honed granite provides a matte appearance, and leathered granite has a rough, natural look.

Do’s

Clean up spills immediately by blotting, the longer they sit the more chance there is that it will stain

Place hot pans directly on a granite countertop, thermal shock can damage it

Wipe up spills, blot at them to try and soak them up rather than spreading them around

Use abrasive cleaners

Use chemical filled cleaners

Cut directly on the surface

Allow acidic drinks to sit; though not as sensitive as marble, acids can eat away at the finish if given time

Quartz

One of the reasons quartz countertops are so popular is because they are virtually maintenance free. This man-made product is composed of one of the earth’s hardest minerals, fused with a polymer resin and color additives for a beautiful and durable surface.

Do’s

Wipe up spills immediately. Quartz is stain-resistant – not stain-proof.

Clean with a soft sponge or dishcloth and water, adding a dollop of dish soap or manufacturer-approved gentle cleanser for stubborn/greasy messes.

Enlist the help of a plastic putty knife for the careful removal of gummy/hardened materials.

Use a trivet/hot pad beneath hot pans, crockpots, and other heat-generating items to protect your countertop. Again, quartz is heat resistant, not fireproof.

Cut on your cutting board – not your counter.

Don’t

Do not seal your quartz. Its nonporous surface doesn’t require any sealing to resist stains.

Stay away from abrasive sponges, pads, or cleaners, which may dull the surface.